Accra, Ghana — Chairman of Parliament’s Youth and Sports Committee, Ernest Norgbey, says allegations surrounding an alleged National Sports Authority (NSA) visa scandal linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup have not been formally brought before his committee.

Norgbey, the Member of Parliament for Ashaiman, said the claims currently circulating on social media and being discussed in the media have not been supported by formal evidence presented to Parliament’s sports committee.

“I heard of it on social media; it has not come to our attention formally. So all the questions ranking was asking were hearsay,” Norgbey said in an interview.

“We are yet to get the veracity or otherwise of the whole matter,” he added.

Allegations Under Scrutiny

The controversy centres on claims that officials of the NSA facilitated World Cup-related visa arrangements for some Ghanaians, with allegations that money was collected from individuals seeking assistance to travel to the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

The issue was raised during recent parliamentary proceedings after the Minority’s Ranking Member on the Youth and Sports Committee questioned the matter.

However, Norgbey said the committee cannot begin a formal inquiry based solely on information circulating on social media.

“I have heard something like it, but I cannot substantiate it,” he said.

According to the committee chairman, any parliamentary investigation would require credible and verifiable information, such as formal complaints, payment records, names of affected individuals or relevant visa documentation.

“We need formal and verifiable information before the matter can be considered as part of its proceedings,” he stressed.

Minority Calls for Action

The allegations have nevertheless generated political pressure, with the Minority in Parliament calling for the dismissal of NSA Director General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah over the claims.

The allegations have not, however, been established as fact, and Norgbey's comments indicate that the parliamentary committee has yet to receive formal evidence upon which to base an investigation.

The Sports Ministry is also yet to issue an official statement addressing the claims.

Previous Visa Controversies

Ghanaian sports has faced visa-related controversies in previous international competitions.

In 2018, more than 60 Ghanaians were deported from Australia during the Commonwealth Games after travelling under false pretences, including posing as journalists.

In 2024, two members of Ghana’s National Paralympic Committee were suspended over allegations involving forged letters submitted to embassies in connection with visa applications.

The latest allegations have therefore renewed questions about how travel and visa-related arrangements are handled within Ghana’s sports administration.

For now, however, Norgbey says the World Cup visa claims remain outside the formal proceedings of his committee until credible evidence is presented.